Method and apparatus for automatically splicing film

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for assisting the photofinisher in securing together, in a continuous master roll, a plurality of film strips for purposes of subsequently processing same. The apparatus severs the trailing end of a first film strip or leader previously introduced thereinto, severs the leading end of a second film strip following its introduction thereinto, photographically codes that second film strip for ready identification, and secures the adjacent ends of the two (first and second) film strips together with an interconnecting tab to form the two films as integral parts of the continuous master roll.

United States Patent [191 Aldo 1 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATICALLY SPLICING FILM Bruce D. Aldo, 6 Redwing Road, Enfield, Conn. 06082 [22] Filed: June 3, 1974 [21] Appl. No.: 475,946

[76] Inventor:

[52] US. Cl. 156/505; 156/159; 156/506; 156/507 [51] Int. Cl. G03D 15/04 [58] Field of Search 156/157, 159, 502, 505, 156/506, 267, 269, 304, 507, 508, 510, 516,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS Rosborough et a1 156/506 Zahn et a1 156/508 Dec. 9, 1975 Primary Examiner-William A. Powell Assistant ExaminerBrian I. Leitten Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Ross, Ross & Flavin [57] ABSTRACT A method and apparatus for assisting the photofinisher in securing together, in a continuous master roll, a plurality of film strips for purposes of subsequently processing same. The apparatus severs the trailing end of a first film strip or leader previously introduced thereinto, severs the leading end of a second film strip following its introduction thereinto, photographically codes that second film strip for ready identification, and secures the adjacent ends of the two (first and second) film strips together with an interconnecting tab to form the two films as integral parts of the con tinuous master roll.

5 Claims, 17 Drawing Figures US. Patent Dec. 9, 1975 Sheet 1 of6 3,925,143

U.S. Patant Dec. 9, 1975 Sheet 2 of6 3,925,143

U.S. Patent Dec. 9, 1975 Sheet 3 of6 3,925,143

U.S. Patent Dec. 9, 1975 Sheet 4 of6 3,925,143

TD-l

El] 98 E U.S. Patent Dec. 9, 1975 Sheet 5 of6 3,925,143

US. Patent Dec. 9, 1975 Sheet 6 of6 3,925,143

FIG. l7.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATICALLY SPLICING FILM The photofinisher normally removes a plurality of exposed films from their cartridges and manually secures them together to form a large master roll for subsequent processing. Thus, a large group of films may be processed at one time rather than running each film individually through the processing equipment in what would obviously be a time-consuming, extremely-inefficient procedure.

The securement of the exposed films to each other so as to define a master roll obviously must be perfonned in the darkroom in order to prevent film spoilage through unwanted exposure; ergo the fact that such splicing operations are difficult to perform.

The construction hereof comprehends the identification photographically of each film strip joined to the continuous master roll, as the film is removed from each cartridge and transported through the apparatus for the splicing thereof to the continuous master roll.

The roll of film removed from its cartridge is held in a position where it can be readily grapsed by one hand of the operator who, with his other hand, inserts the numbered empty cartridge into a film identification assembly of the apparatus where a twin check number carried on the cartridge is recorded photographically on the film.

By the twin check system, the number on the cartridge is photographed and the roll is identified with one number while the other number on an identifying envelope remains outside the system, the film and envelope being eventually brought together again following film processing for the identification purpose.

The roll of film is inserted into an automatic transport system having horizontally reciprocable lead and tail carriage assemblies having pins engageable in provided openings in the film for transporting the film to various stations.

A tab severed from a supply of splicing tape of a heat sealable resin coated type is used to interjoin the trailing end of one film and the leading end of a nextfollowing film, the tab being applied with heat and pressure to achieve a strong bond, which results in an accurately spaced in-pitch splice for faultless feeding in the subsequent photo finishing machinery. The splicing tape contains an opaque material which will automatically trigger the end-of-order mark system on the usual color printer and on the usual automatic film cutting systems.

The apparatus is of simple design and construction and provides a fully-automatic apparatus for the in seriatim steps of severing the trailing end of a first film or leader, severing the leading end of a second film, photographically coding the second film for identification purposes, severing a length of splicing tape from a supply thereof, securing the severed length of the tape to the adjacent butting ends of the trimmed first and second films in overlapping relationship therewith, trimming the tail end of the second film, and stopping the tail end of the second film to await a third next-to-follow film for a next splicing operation.

FIG. 1 is a view, in front elevation, of apparatus constructed in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is a view, in top plan, of the apparatus of FIG. I, with certain parts omitted for clarity;

FIG. 3 is a view, in rear elevation, of the apparatus shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a view, in front elevation, of the film identification assembly of the apparatus of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a view, in end elevation, of the film identification assembly, as seen from the left of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a view, in front elevation, of the lead carriage assembly of the apparatus of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a view,in end elevation, of the lead carriage assembly, as seen from the right of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a view, in front elevation, of the tail carriage assembly of the apparatus of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a view, in cross section, taken on line 99 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a view, in side elevation, of the knife assembly of the apparatus of the invention;

FIG. 11 is a view, in top plan, of the knife assembly of FIG. 10;

FIGS. 12 and 13 are views, in front and rear elevation respectively, on an enlarged scale, of a cartridge of the type carrying the film severed by the apparatus of the invention;

FIGS. 14 and 15 are views, in bottom and top plan respectively, of the film cartridge of FIGS. 12 and 13;

FIG. 16 is a segmental view, in top plan, on an enlarged scale, of the film carried by the cartridge of FIGS. 12 l5 and served by the apparatus of the invention; and

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of the electrical control circuitry of the apparatus of the invention.

For purposes of orientation, the apparatus, as viewed from the tending side, is seen to have a loading or tending or front end located on the far left of FIGS. 1 and 2 and a delivering or rear end located adjacent the far right of FIGS. 1 and 2. i

A vertically-disposed base plate 10 is supported upwardly of a table or work bench, not shown, by legs 12. Support brackets 14 and 16 are fixed to the base plate and support an elongated film track 18 which extends horizontally substantially throughout the length of the apparatus from its tending and to its delivering end.

Film track 18 is open at its opposite tending and de livering ends.

The leading ends of the films to be formed into spliced end-to-end relationship, preparatory to the next subsequent film processing program, are fed to seriatim into the open end of the film track at the tending end.

To describe the apparatus in a logical sequence, componentwise and operationwise simultaneously, it will first be explained that the major operating components are disposed with reference to the film track at spaced stations in series, from the tending to the delivering ends, in the forms of:

a film identification assembly 20;

a knife assembly 21;

a lead carriage assembly 22;

a film splicing assembly 24;

a tail carriage assembly 26;

a film drive assembly 28; and

a film take-up assembly 30.

To simplify the recitation, a first film or leader is assumed to have been transported through the film track past various stations to a point where its trailing end is strategically disposed somewhere adjacent splicing assembly 24 whereat it remains to await the advancement of the leading end of a next-following second film into abutting relation therewith, wherefore the trailing end of the first film and the leading end of the second film may be spliced together by the splicing assembly 24 at a proper moment.

The leading ends of the films are fed in seriatim into the film track at the tending end, being guided thereinto by a film track entering guideway 32, (see FIG. 4), provided at film identification assembly 20.

Various of the station components to be described have elements which are reciprocable vertically from nonoperative position to operative position according to the dictates of individual electrically-controlled ac tuating means, to be described.

THE FILM AND CARTRIDGE Film F of the type to be serviced by the apparatus of the invention is best seen in FIG. 16 and includes locator openings and 0' in the leading end and trailing ends respectively thereof, which locator holes are utilized in manner to be described.

The film is contained in a cartridge C of the type shown in FIGS. 12 15 having a depression D in one side thereof and also having the usual paper backing P which may be viewed through a window W in the cartridge for identifying the particular frame on the film being utilized, all as is well known.

The cartridge carries a processing number N for identification purposes, which number is utilized herein in manner to appear.

Of course, the film must be separated from the cartridge and the paper backing before servicing and such separation is effected at film identification assembly 20, best seen in FIGS. 4 and 5.

THE FILM IDENTIFICATION ASSEMBLY The film identification assembly includes a hub 34 which extends upwardly from a support 36 fixed to one side of a camera housing 38 fixed to base plate 10. Hub 34 is receivable in depression D of the film cartridge.

After the cartridge is mounted on hub 34, it is pressed inwardly toward the camera housing, whereupon a post 40, which extends horizontally outwardly from the housing, passes freely through window W in the cartridge to press against the paper P to urge the paper and film away from the cartridge so that they can be grasped by an operator and pulled free from the cartridge, with the paper passing on one side of a roller 42 provided on support 36 and the film passing on the other side thereof.

The paper is discarded and the free end of the film is inserted into entering guideway 32 of track 18 at which time the identification number N on the rear face of the cartridge is photographed by a camera 44 within housing 38, the camera being controlled by a timer TD-l. Also disposed within the housing are a pair of lamps L-l and L-2 and a mirror 48 wherefore the number on the cartridge can be transferred from the cartridge to the leading edge of the film disposed on track 18 for positive identification.

A buzzer 8-1 is actuated upon initiation of identification to signal the operator that identification is taking place.

THE KNIFE ASSEMBLY Knife assembly 21, best seen in FIGS. 10 and 11, includes a bracket 50 fixed to and extending rearwardly from base wall 10, and supporting a cylinder CYL-l having a piston rod 52 which has a movable blade 54 pivoted at 56 to its outboard end. CYL-l is controlled by a solenoid P-l. (see FIG. 3).

Movable blade 54 is cooperant with a pair of stationary blades 58 and is further pivoted adjacent its lower end at 60 to a knife carrier 62.

A compression spring 64 sleeves piston rod 52 and is trapped between knife carrier 62 and a collar 66 fixed to the piston rod to spring load the movable blade.

A pair of spaced limit switches LS-4 and LS-5, fixed to bracket 50, is engageable by collar 66 as the piston rod reciprocates for sensing the termination of the forward and rearward stroke of the piston rod.

The blades of the knife assembly are disposed relative to film track 18 so as to be capable of trimming the ends of the film carried by the track.

THE LEAD CARRIAGE ASSEMBLY Lead carriage assembly 22, best seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, includes a body portion 68 which is slidably disposed upon a pair of spaced, parallel slide rods 70, 70, which extend horizontally between support brackets 14 and 16.

The lead carriage assembly is reciprocated by a lead carriage cylinder CYL-Z fixed to the rear face of base plate 10 and controlled by a solenoid P-3, (see FIG. 3), the piston rod 72 of the cylinder being linked to the lead carriage assembly as by a clevis 74 engageable with a clevis tongue 76 which extends rearwardly fro body portion 68.

A carriage stop 77, (see FIG. 3), provided on base plate 10, limits the range of travel of the lead carriage assembly to the left as seen in FIG. 1 when contacted by clevis tongue 76.

The lead carriage assembly is also adapted to contact a limit switch LS-6, (see FIG. 3), when it moves to the extreme right position as viewed in FIG. 1, for purposes to appear.

A hunting pin 78, (see FIG. 6), vertically reciprocable relative to the body 68 under actuation by a solenoid P-5 and control by a limit switch LS-3, is springloaded by means of return springs 80 and 82.

The hunting pin is engageable in the holes 0 and O of film F for purposes to appear.

THE FILM SPLICING ASSEMBLY Film splicing assembly 24 includes a splicer head 84 which is mounted on spaced, upright guide rods 86 which are fixed at their lower ends to base plate 10 and at their upper ends to a platform 88 provided at the upper edge of the base plate.

The splicer is reciprocated by a cylinder CYL-3 mounted on the platform and having its ram 90 fixed to the splicer. Actuation of the cylinder to reciprocate the splicer is controlled by a solenoid P-3, (see FIG. 3).

The splicer head 84 is heated by heating elements H enclosed therewithin, which elements are controlled by a thermostat, TS-I, (see FIG. 17).

Splicing tape is fed to the splicer from a tape supply reel 92 rotatably mounted relative to a bracket 94 on base plate 10, the tape passing through a provided opening in the base plate, to a shear plate 96 disposed on the lower face of splicer head 84 so that the free end of the tape is disposed immediately below the splicer head and in overlying relationship to film track 18.

On the downward stroke of the splicer head the tape is pressed against the adjacent ends of the films to join the films together.

Means, including a tape feed motor M-3 and a limit switch LS-I4, (see FIG. 3), is provided for feeding the tape forwardly from supply reel 92 to the splicer as needed and in timed relation to movements of the splicer and film.

Limit switches LS-7 and LS-S, (see FIG. 3) define the lower and upper limits of travel of splicer head 84.

THE TAIL CARRIAGE ASSEMBLY Tail carriage assembly 26, best seen in FIGS. 8 and 9, includes a body portion 98 which is slidably disposed upon slide rods 70, 70.

The tail carriage assembly is reciprocated by a tail carriage cylinder CYL-4 fixed to the rear face of base plate 10, and controlled by a solenoid P-4, (see FIG. 3), the piston rod 100 of the cylinder being linked to the tail carriage assembly as by a clevis 102 engageable with a clevis tongue 104 which extends rearwardly from body portion 98.

A tail carriage stop 105, (see FIG. 3), provided on base plate 10, limits the range of travel of the tail carriage assembly to the left as seen in FIG. 1 when contacted by clevis tongue 104.

The tail carriage assembly is also adapted to contact a limit switch LS-l 1, (see FIG. 3), when it moves to the extreme right position as viewed in FIG. 1, for purposes to appear.

A plunger or push rod 106, vertically reciprocable relative to body 98 under actuation by a solenoid P-6 and control by a limit switch LS-10, is spring-loaded by means of a return spring 108.

Plunger or push rod 106 is engagable with an axially aligned upper gripper pin 110 disposed thereabove, to effectively trap film F between the push rod and gripper pin, with movement of the push rod being timed so that the film is gripped on the frames between image areas.

THE FILM DRIVE ASSEMBLY Film drive assembly 28 includes an upper feed roll 112 adapted to engage the upper surface of the film, and a lower pressure roll 114 vertically axially aligned with upper feed roll 112 and adapted to engage the lower surface of the film.

Upper feed roll 112 is fixed to one end of the drive shaft 116 of a hysteresis clutch 118 mounted on base plate 10, the opposite end of the drive shaft having a sprocket 120 fixed thereto, (see FIG. 3).

A chain 122 extends between sprocket 120 and a second sprocket 124 fixed to the drive shaft 126 of a film drive motor M-l fixed to base plate 10.

Lower pressure roll 114 is rotatably mounted on the free end of a yoke 128 which extends outwardly from support bracket 16, the yoke being loaded as by a spring 130 extending therefrom to track 18.

Hysteresis clutch 118 functions as a tensioning device, always trying to drive the film unless the film is gripped between the push rod 106 and gripper pin 110 of tail carriage assembly 26, in which case the clutch will slip. The clutch imparts a controlled and constant amount of tension to the film.

THE FILM TAKE-UP ASSEMBLY As seen in FIG. 1, film F leaving film drive assembly 28 at the delivering end passes to the film take-up assembly 30.

Film take-up assembly 30 includes a trio of spools 134, 136 and 138 and a take-up reel 140, which takeup reel may be manually removed when it has taken up the desired number of spliced-together films in the form of a continuous master roll.

The take-up reel is releasably fixed to a shaft 141 journalled in and extending through a wall 10' which extends upwardly from base plate 10, the shaft being driven by a take-up motor M-2 fixed to the rear face of wall 10'.

Spools 134 and 136 are rotatably mounted relative to a spool support block 142 fixed to base plate 10 on a horizontal plane above that of film guide 18.

Spool 138 is rotatably mounted relative to an elevator block 144 slidably mounted upon an elevator shaft 146 which extends vertically between support block 142 and a lower support block 148.

As film builds up on takeup reel 140, elevator block 144 and spool 138 are caused to ride upwardly relative to shaft 146 wherefore the proper tension is maintained on the film at all times.

An upper limit switch LS-13, (see FIG. 3) stops the take-up motors when contacted by elevator block 144 and a lower limit switch LS-12 starts the take-up motor when contacted by the elevator block.

THE PNEUMATIC SYSTEM Pressurized air is delivered to the several air cylinders CYL-l through CYL-4 by an air inlet line 150 controlled by a manual shut-off 152, a vacuum transducer 154 and a vacuum muffler 156, (see FIG. 3).

An air jet 160, (see FIG. 5), is located below track 18 adjacent the tending end of the apparatus and is utilized in conjunction with limit switches LS-l and LS-2, in sensing the openings 0 and O' in film F, for purposes to appear.

SIMPLIFIED SEQUENCE OF OPERATION The following is a simplified recitation of the sequence of operation following insertion of the film into the track:

I. The lead hole 0 in the film F is sensed by air jet controlled by limit switch LS-1 causing hunting solenoid P-5 and hunting pin 78 of lead carriage assembly 22 to hunt for the hole;

2. When hunting solenoid P-S finds the hole, hunting pin 78 enters the hole, limit switch LS-3 initiates identification by means of film identification assembly 20 and buzzer B-l sounds;

3. When identification timer TD-l times out completing identification, knife 54 is advanced by air cylinder CYL-l to cut the lead end of the film;

4. As the knife retracts, limit switch LS-S is actuated and lead carriage assembly 22 moves the film up to splicing section 24;

5. Limit switch LS-6, actuated by the lead carriage assembly, initiates the splice cycle. As the sealing iron of the splicer comes down, hunting solenoid P-5 and hunting pin 78 of lead carriage assembly 22 and tail gripping solenoid P-6 and push rod 106 of tail carriage assembly 26 are released;

6. The tail carriage assembly 26 now moves left as seen in FIG. 1 which in turn causes the lead carriage assembly 22 to move left;

7. As the sealing iron retracts, limit switch LS-S is released to complete the circuit to motor M-l at film drive assembly 28 causing the film to move;

8. The LS-1 air jet 160 senses the tail hole 0' in the film, causing hunting solenoid P-5 and hunting pin 78 of lead carriage assembly 22 to hunt for the hole;

9. When solenoid P-S finds the hole, hunting pin 78 enters the hole, locates the film and actuator limit switch LS 3;

l0. Limit switch LS-3 energizes tail gripper solenoid P-6 and push rod 106 of tail carriage assembly 26 to grip the film and CYL-l knife of knife assembly 21 to cut the film; and

ll. As the cut is completed, the tail carriage assembly 26 moves right, earring the film therewith and locating the properly cut tail end of the film at splicing assembly 24 ready for the next film.

DETAILED SEQUENCE OF OPERATION Reference is now made to the simple two-line schematic wiring diagram of FIG. 17 wherein each line of the diagram has been assigned a number from 1 through 30. For ease of reference, when a particular component is referred to, same is designated by a reference followed by a parenthetical indication of its line location in FIG. 11. For example, a main switch S-l is designated at S-l( 1) since it is located on line 1 of the wiring diagram.

In further explanation of the organization of this specification, it is explained that letter A is used to denote a first set of contacts of a component, B to denote a second set of contacts, and C to denote a third set of contacts.

This sequence description assumes that the air supply has been turned on, that the main switch 8-] (l) and film drive S-2(2) are on, and that the machine is threaded and ready for operation.

The lead end of film is inserted and covers air jet 160 allowing LS-2 (3) to close, setting up K-1 (3). LS-l (3) opens and will not close again until a hole appears. The lead hole momentarily actuates LS-l (3) to energize K-1 (3). K-l, B (2) energizes P-S (2) of lead carriage assembly 22; K-l, A (4) forms a holding circuit through K-8, B (4). K-8 (14) is energized at this point because tail carriage assembly 26 is in a right hand position actuating LS-ll (14) and K- (15). P-6 (16), K-4 (23) and P4 (15) are also energized. P-S (2) pin 78 of lead carriage assembly 22 actuates LS-3 (13) as it moves into lead hole 0 energizing K-3 (13).

K-3, C( 1 1) energizes LJ (1 1) and TD-l (12) to photograph the number N onto the film. When TD-l (12) times out the normally open contacts close (11) breaking the circuit to the lamps L-] and L2 and energizing P-l (10) through K-2, B (10). P-1 (10) causes knife 54 to advance to cut the film and LS-S (11) is opened preventing P-2 (8) from moving the lead carriage assembly until the knife returns fully. As the knife completes its stroke, LS-4, A (9) and LS-4, B (S) are actuated. LS-4, A (9) energizes K-2 (9) and P-2 (8) which are held in by K-2, A (8). K-2, B (5) has no effect since K-4 (23) and P-6 (16) are already energized, and the K-1 (3) holding circuit is completed through K-8, B (4).

When CYL-l returns L85 (8) is closed completing the circuit to P-2 (8). Lead carriage assembly 22 moves to the right hand position locating the film at splicer assembly 24 and actuating LS-6 (l9). LS-6 (l9) energizes TD-2 (19) through LS-lS (18) and P-3 (l9) splicing solenoid and P-7 (18) vacuum are energized. As the sealing head 84 starts down LS-8 (23) is actuated removing power from the M-1 film drive motor and energizing delayed pull in K-4 (23). M-l is interrupted to prevent the film from moving until the sealing iron is clear of the film on its return stroke, thereby preventing possible scratches.

K-4 (23) is slowed down to allow the sealing iron to grab the ends of the film before it is released as follows:

K-4, C (4) breaks K-1 (3) holding circuit;

K1, B (2) releases P-S (2) solenoid and LS-9 (5) interlock;

K-4, B (15) breaks K-S holding circuit releasing P-6 (16) film gripper of tail carriage assembly 26 and LS-10 (6) interlock; and

K4 D (7) breaks K-6 (6) holding circuit releasing P4 (5) solenoid allowing the tail carriage assembly to go left.

P-S (2) pin 78 and P-6 (16) grippers 106 and 110 must release and open LS'9 (5) and LS-10 (6) interlocks before K-4, D (7) can release P-4 (5) and K-6 (6) during the splice cycle. The de-energizing of P-4 (5) enables the tail carriage assembly 26 to move left.

As the tail carriage assembly moves left, LS-ll (14) opens releasing K-8 (14). K8, C (8) breaks K-2 (9) holding circuit releasing P-2 (8) solenoid and allowing the lead carriage assembly to go left. TD-2 (17) times out releasing P-3 (19) and P-7 (18).

As sealing iron 84 moves upward LS-8 (23) releases K-4 (23) and energizes motor M-l (22) causing the film to move. LS-7 (29) is also pulsed as the sealing iron moves upward starting the tape feed motor M-3 (30). LS- 14 (30) is held closed for of cam rotation, to meter the splicing tape, and, upon opening, de-energizes M-3 (30).

LS-l (3) senses tail hole 0' and energizes K-1 (3). K-l, A (4) holds K-1 (3) energized through LS-4, B (5). K-8 (14) is de-energized at this point because the tail carriage assembly is to the left and LS-ll (14) is released. Therefore:

A. K-8, B (4) allows K-1 (3) and P-S (2) pin 78 to deenergize as soon as the cut is complete as sensed by LS-4, B (5).

B. K-8, C (8) prevents K-2 (9) and P2 (8) from moving the lead carriage assembly; and

C. K-8 D (11) prevents T-l (11) and TD-l (11) from making and effecting identification exposure.

K-l, B (2) energizes P-S (2). P-S (2) pin 78 actuates LS-3 (13) as it moves into tail hole 0' which in turn energizes K-3 (13). K-3, C (11) energizes P-l (10) through K-8, D (11) to cut the film. As the cut is completed, LS-4, B (S) is actuated releasing K1 (3) and P-S (2). LS-4, B (5) also energizes K-6 (6) and P4 (5) to move the carriage assembly to splicing position ready for the next cycle.

I claim:

1. Apparatus for splicing the lead end of a second identified exposed film strip to the trailing end of a first or next preceding film strip, each film strip being of the type having image-bearing areas thereon and openings therein adjacent the leading and trailing ends thereof, comprising:

a film track for guiding the film strips,

a lead carriage assembly and a tail carriage assembly for selectively gripping and moving the film strips along the film track,

means for effecting reciprocating movement of the lead carriage and tail carriage assemblies relative to the track, means for photographically exposing the leading end of the second film strip for an impression of identifying coded indicia thereon,

a cutting station for cutting the leading and trailing ends of the second film strip along a predetermined transverse line with reference to the image bearing areas,

a splicing station for splicing together the trailing end of the first or next preceding film strip to the leading end of the second film strip by means of a heat- 3. Apparatus according to claim 1, including a pin on the lead carriage assembly selectively engageable in the openings adjacent the leading and trailing ends of the film strips.

4. Apparatus according to claim 1, including gripper pins on the tail carriage assembly for selectively gripping the film strips.

5. Apparatus according to claim 1, including a film takeup assembly for receiving the spliced together film strips.

l l 1 l 

1. APPARATUS FOR SPLICING THE LEAD END OF A SECOND INDENTIFIED EXPOSED FILM STRIP TO THE TRAILING END OF A FIRST OR NEXT PRECEDING FILM STRIP, EACH FILM STRIP BEING OF THE TYPE HAVING IMAGEBEARING AREAS THEREON AND OPENINGS THEREIN ADJACENT THE LEADING AND TRAILING ENDS THEREOF, COMPRISING: A FILM TRACK FOR GUIDING THE FILM STRIPS, A LEAD CARRIAGE ASSEMBLY AND A TAIL CARRIAGE ASSEMBLY FOR SELECTIVELY GRIPPING AND MOVING THE FILM STRIPS ALONG THE FILM TRACK, MEANS FOR EFFECTING RECIPROCATING MOVEMENT OF THE LEAD CARRIAGE AND TAIL CARRIAGE ASSEMBLIES RELATIVE TO THE TRACK, MEANS FOR PHOTOGRAPHICALLY EXPOSING THE LEADING END OF THE SECOND FILM STRIP FOR AN IMPERSSION OF INDENTIFYING CODED INDICIA THEREON,
 2. Apparatus according to claim 1, including a film drive assembly having slip-clutch means for imparting a controlled and constant amount of tension to the film.
 3. Apparatus according to claim 1, including a pin on the lead carriage assembly selectively engageable in the openings adjacent the leadIng and trailing ends of the film strips.
 4. Apparatus according to claim 1, including gripper pins on the tail carriage assembly for selectively gripping the film strips.
 5. Apparatus according to claim 1, including a film takeup assembly for receiving the spliced together film strips. 